Head of Stand Installations | Rayleigh | Up to £50,000
Role Overview
The Head of Stand Installations is responsible for the successful planning, management & delivery of every exhibition stand installation undertaken.
This role has full operational ownership of installation projects from the point they are released into production through to final client handover, dismantle & return to the warehouse. The successful candidate will lead the in-house installation team while managing a trusted network of subcontractors across the UK & Europe, ensuring every project is delivered safely, on time, within budget & to the company’s high standards of quality.
This is a senior leadership position requiring exceptional organisational ability, technical expertise, commercial awareness & strong people management skills.
Key Responsibilities
Installation Management
- Take full operational ownership of all exhibition stand installations.
- Produce installation programmes, labour schedules & resource plans.
- Allocate in-house installers & subcontract labour efficiently.
- Ensure all projects are appropriately resourced with labour, vehicles & equipment.
- Attend key installations where required to oversee delivery.
- Manage stand dismantles, return logistics & post-event operations.
- Resolve onsite issues quickly & professionally to minimise disruption.
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor & develop the installation team.
- Conduct regular performance reviews & toolbox talks.
- Identify training & development requirements.
- Manage staffing levels, holiday requests & resource planning.
- Foster effective communication between the office, workshop & site teams.
Subcontractor Management
- Source, appoint & manage installation subcontractors across the UK & Europe.
- Build & maintain a reliable network of trusted installation partners.
- Ensure subcontractors consistently meet the company’s quality & safety standards.
- Monitor subcontractor performance & provide regular feedback.
- Negotiate labour rates & maintain cost-effective installation delivery.
Project Delivery
Ensure every installation is:
- Delivered on schedule.
- Completed within the agreed labour budget.
- Built in accordance with approved drawings & specifications.
- Installed safely & in compliance with all relevant regulations.
- Finished to the highest standards of workmanship & presentation.
- Take ownership of resolving any operational challenges that arise during installation.
Health & Safety
- Ensure Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS) are implemented & followed.
- Conduct onsite safety briefings & toolbox talks.
- Maintain high standards of health & safety across all projects.
- Ensure correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Monitor compliance with exhibition venue regulations & site procedures.
- Promote a proactive safety culture throughout the installation team.
Logistics & Equipment
- Coordinate vehicle loading & transport schedules.
- Ensure all installation equipment & materials are accounted for before, during & after each project.
- Manage warehouse returns following events.
- Oversee the maintenance, servicing & readiness of installation equipment & vehicles.
Client & Site Management
Act as the company’s senior installation representative on site.
Develop & maintain strong working relationships with:
- Clients
- Exhibition organisers
- Venue contractors
- Site managers
- Health & Safety officers
Quality Control
- Ensure every stand meets the company’s quality standards.
- Carry out final quality inspections before client handover.
- Identify opportunities to improve installation processes & working practices.
- Minimise snagging, damage & rework through effective planning & supervision.
Budget & Commercial Responsibility
Work closely with the General Manager & Project Managers to:
- Control installation costs.
- Improve labour efficiency.
- Reduce installation damage & rework.
- Maximise project profitability.
- Monitor labour utilisation & installation performance.
What You'll Need
Essential
- Minimum five years' experience within the exhibition stand installation industry.
- Previous experience leading installation teams.
- Strong knowledge of both shell scheme & bespoke exhibition stand construction.
- Excellent organisational & planning skills.
- Strong leadership & team management ability.
- Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Forklift licence (desirable).
- Experience managing installation projects across Europe (desirable).
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be:
- Calm under pressure.
- Highly organised & proactive.
- A confident problem solver.
- A hands-on leader who leads by example.
- Commercially aware with strong decision-making skills.
- Detail focused & quality driven.
- Professional in appearance & approach.
- Flexible & willing to travel throughout the UK & Europe.
- Positive, motivated & committed to delivering exceptional customer service.
What's in it for you?
- Salary £45,000–£50,000 + overtime.
- Generous holiday: 20 days plus Bank Holidays, plus an extra 7 days over the Christmas & New Year closure.
- Onsite parking.
- Paid expenses, including meals & overnight stays.
- Uniform provided.
- Friendly, supportive working environment.
- Opportunities to develop new skills within the events industry.
- Company pension.
- Company events.
For more information please contact Sophie Barnes
